What does the acronym GDPR stand for, and what is its main purpose?

The acronym GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation, and its primary purpose is to protect personal data and privacy for individuals within the European Union. This regulation came into effect on May 25, 2018, and is designed to give individuals greater control over their personal information. It sets stringent requirements for how organizations handle personal data, ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld and that data processing is transparent, accountable, and secure.

The regulation not only affects organizations based in the EU but also applies to any organization that processes the personal data of individuals residing in the EU, regardless of where the organization itself is located. This broad scope emphasizes the importance of data protection as a fundamental right.

Key aspects of the GDPR include the right to access personal data, the right to have inaccurate data corrected, and the right to data erasure, commonly known as the "right to be forgotten." Compliance with GDPR is crucial for organizations to avoid significant fines and to build trust with their users through responsible data handling practices.